Elmwood Funeral Chapel & Crematory

Visitation Information

Jerome J. Barraia, "Jerry"

Passed away on December 31, 2025

Jerome J. “Jerry” Barraia, age 91.  Late of New Port Richey, Florida.  Passed away on December 31, 2025.  Loving father of Danielle (Chris) Szczucki, Holly (Donald J. “Ralph”) Busse, and Robert (Mia) Federici.  Cherished papa of Cascian, Enzo, and Lennon Loonam, Sloan and Milena Busse, and Marcello Federici.   Dearest brother of Donata Raebig.  Jerry is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He is preceded in death by his wife Linda, daughter Rebecca Marie, and brothers Louis “Bud” and Donald J. Barraia. 

Jerry was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a retired police officer for the Chicago Police Department.

Memorial Visitation Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 11:00 am until Military Honors and Service at 3:00 pm at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel 11300 W. 97th LN. (1/2 block west of US 41/Wicker Ave. at 97th LN.).  Following the service Jerry’s family invites you to a Celebration of his Life at Great Oak’s banquets where a meal and stories of Jerry can be shared at 4:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project www.woundedwarriorproject.org or the Gary Sinise Foundation www.garysinisefoundation.org in Jerry’s name.  For more information 219-365-3474.

Memorial Contributions:

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project  www.woundedwarriorproject.org or the Gary Sinise Foundation www.garysinisefoundation.org in Jerry’s name.  

Visitation Location

St. John
11300 W. 97th Lane
St. John, IN 46373
(219) 365-3474

Map

Visitation Information

Saturday, January 10, 2026 - 11:00 pm until 3:00 pm

Military Honors and Funeral Service
Saturday, January 10, 2026 - 3:00 pm

Condolences
"Honoring my Great Uncle Jerry, for a life of service-to his country, his community, and his family. Thank you for your dedication and your heart. May you rest in eternal peace. With love- Donota Falakos"
- Donota Falakos
January 2, 2026 8:20 pm
Candles Lit
"I will miss you SO SO MUCH! Jerry, you were a light in both mine and J's life. I'm sure you are dancing up in Heaven and flirting with the ladies. Keep shining friend, see you Upstairs someday. "
- Victoria Mathews
January 2, 2026 5:14 pm
"Honoring my Great Uncle Jerry — a man who served our country and our city with pride. May you be at peace now with your beautiful daughter Rebecca, with Linda, and with your brothers Don and Lou. I will forever cherish the childhood memories of visiting your home in Chicago, watching you get ready for work, and the aftershave that always stayed with me. Thank you for the love and the memories...Love Donota Falakos"
- Donota Falakos
January 2, 2026 8:30 pm
"Sending our love to you and the entire family. Enjoyed my time with him this summer. Love you all"
- Michael and Natalie Babich
January 3, 2026 9:07 am
" To my Great, Great Uncle Jerry — I was so proud to have you in my life. A brave Chicago Police officer and a true patriot who loved this country and served with honor. I will miss our phone calls more than words can say. May you rest in peace. 🥲"
- Marlon Gaines
January 3, 2026 1:11 pm
"It was an honor to have you as family, even though we didn’t get to spend much time together with us being here in California. You were a true hero to the Chicago community and to America for your service to our country. Our family is blessed with a youthful spirit, and you carried that with such confidence and humility. You were quite the ladies’ man—not just for your looks, but for your good energy and your huge heart. You never listened to idle gossip; you formed your own opinions and stood by them. A true leader in every way. Please give Chad a hug for me. Salute & with love, Anthony Gaines JR."
- Anthony Gaines Jr.
January 3, 2026 1:21 pm
"Danielle, we are so very sorry for your loss! Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. "
- Zapolis & Associates, P.C.
January 6, 2026 3:08 pm